How to Avoid Summer Burnout
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Awwww… Summer!
It can feel like summer is the time to recover from burnout
But, that’s not always the case! Let’s talk about how to make sure summer doesn’t turn into the very source of our burnout…
Summer is the season that many of us look forward to all year. We look forward to the warmth of the sun, the long days, and the chance to relax and recharge our batteries. However, summer can also be a time of stress and burnout, especially if you have a lot of responsibilities on your plate. Whether you're juggling a demanding job, caring for children or elderly relatives, or just trying to keep up with a busy social calendar, it's easy to feel overwhelmed during the summer months.
If you're worried about summer burnout, don't worry – there are plenty of things you can do to keep your stress levels in check and enjoy the season to the fullest. Here are some tips that can help:
Create Unavailable Hours for Yourself: If you're always "on" and checking your email or responding to work requests, it's easy to feel like you're never really off the clock. Creating some boundaries around your work time can help you feel more relaxed and present when you're not working. Try setting aside specific hours each day when you won't check your email or take work calls, and stick to them as much as possible.
Don't Overschedule Yourself: Summer is the season of social events, but it's important to remember that you don't have to attend every party or gathering that comes your way. Be selective about which events you attend and prioritize the ones that are most important to you. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to say "no" to invitations or take a break from socializing for a day or two.
Do a Career Check-Up: Summer can be a great time to reflect on your career goals and make sure you're on the right track. Take some time to think about where you want to be in your career a year from now, five years from now, and beyond. Are you happy with your current job? Are there any skills you need to develop to get where you want to be? Use this time to set some career goals and create a plan to achieve them.
Create a "To Don't" List: Just like a to-do list, a "to don't" list can help you stay focused on what's most important. Write down a few things that you're intentionally choosing not to do this summer, whether it's checking your work email after hours or attending events that you don't really want to go to. Having a list of things you're saying "no" to can help you feel more in control of your time and reduce your stress levels. When I talked about this on the podcast, I talked about my experience with #75Hard which you can hear more about here.
Take Time to Pause and Rest: Rest doesn't have to be sleep – it can be anything that helps you recharge your batteries. Whether it's reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk, make sure you're taking some time each day to do something that makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Focus on Your Sleep: Good sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, and it's especially important during the summer months when our schedules can be more unpredictable. Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night, and that the quality of your sleep is good. If you're having trouble sleeping, try creating a bedtime routine that helps you wind down and relax.
Set Realistic Expectations: It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of summer and want to do everything at once. However, setting unrealistic goals for yourself can lead to stress and burnout. Be honest with yourself about what you can realistically accomplish this summer, and don't try to do too much.
Pace Yourself, Especially Socially: Summer can be a season of non-stop socializing, but it's important to take breaks and give yourself some down time. If you're feeling overwhelmed by social events, it's okay to say no or take a break during events to recharge your batteries.
Schedule Self-Care: Self-care is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing, and it's important to make it a priority during the summer months. Schedule time for activities that make you feel happy and relaxed, whether it's a yoga class, a massage, or a day trip to the beach.
Be Kind to Yourself: Remember that it's okay to make mistakes and that you don't have to be perfect. Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion, especially if you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Take More Smaller Vacations, Not One Big Vacation: While a big summer vacation can be fun, it can also be stressful to plan and execute. Consider taking a few long weekends throughout the summer instead of one big trip. This can be more restful and give you more opportunities to explore your local area.
Take Walks: Getting outside and moving your body is a great way to clear your head and recharge. Take breaks throughout the day to go for a walk, whether it's a quick walk around the block or a longer hike in the woods.
Create an Enjoyable Morning Routine: Starting your day with something you enjoy can help set the tone for the rest of the day. Whether it's a cup of coffee, a morning meditation, or a few minutes of journaling, find something that makes you feel happy and relaxed.
Remember, the key to avoiding summer burnout is to prioritize your time, take care of yourself, and be intentional about how you spend your summer days. By following these tips, you can make the most of the season without burning out.
So, that’s it!
What Summer tips did you need to hear most?
Drop a comment below…
